The coronavirus vaccines developed by China’s Sinovac are reportedly sold more expensive in the Philippines compared to its Asian neighbors.
ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Karen Davila has expressed dismay with the varying vaccine costs, saying it was “terrible” and “plain criminal.”
Davila was commenting on a tweet made by Dr. Anthony Leachon on reports Sinovac vaccines are cheaper in Indonesia and Thailand than in the Philippines.
Leachon, former adviser of the national task force fighting the pandemic, said the Sinovac vaccine dose US$17 in Indonesia compared to the $36 obtained by the Philippines. He shared a screenshot of the front page of the Bangkok Post newspaper dated Jan. 16.
“Why is Sinovac cheaper in Indonesia and Thailand?” Leachon asked on Twitter.
Davila reacted to Leachon’s post via Twitter. “This is just plain criminal. After Kawawa tayong mga Pilipino. Terrible,” she tweeted.
Davila’s post has been deleted on Twitter.
The government earlier announced it was buying 25 million doses of vaccines by Sinovac despite reports of poor efficacy rates and high cost. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez defended the government’s decision to buy the Chinese-made vaccines, saying they were actually cheaper than other brands.
Front page of Bangkok Post newspaper January 16, 2021.
— Tony Leachon MD (@DrTonyLeachon) January 16, 2021
Sinovac US$5 per dose vs Indonesia at US $ 17 vs Philippines of US $ 36
Why is Sinovac cheaper in Indonesia and Thailand ? pic.twitter.com/qW7KFax8MZ
This is just plain criminal. After Kawawa tayong mga Pilipino. Terrible. https://t.co/wwEoOeEWou
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) January 17, 2021
